On April 9th, Bungie released another multiplayer map pack for Halo 3. This map pack includes 3 brand new maps for 800 Microsoft Points ($10). The levels include Assembly, which takes place in a scarab factory; Orbital, which takes place on a UNSC ship; and Sandbox, which is a perfect sandbox in every way. These new levels breath some fresh life into online gameplay, and with several new achievements what is not to love. These levels bring new types of levels in that fit well with the other Halo 3 levels, but bring something of their own to the mix.
Assembly
Assembly is a great level with lots of ledges and other paths, all leading up to the middle where the fun begins. There is a transporter beam in the center of the level that brings you down to the bottom level with a Gravity Hammer. There is always fighting to be done in the center but with lots to explore throughout the rest of the map as well. Assembly is a good addition to the list of maps.
Orbital
Orbital brings the visual appeal that I always really wanted in a Halo 3 multiplayer map. I have always loved playing on UNSC ships and this level has a great feel to it. It reminds me of the first level in the first Halo game, aboard the ship. There are several levels to this one and it is pretty big in size. There are many small corridors that could lead to surprise attacks on the enemy. There is so much to be had on this level, it is thoroughly enjoyable.
Sandbox
Sandbox is definitely a change of pace from the other maps. This map is completely customizable; completely. Take out everything and start tabula rasa. The best part is there are three different playing fields, the main sand floor, a huge steel bunker of a basement, as well as a floating field in the sky. You can take advantage of all three at once. Create death defying obstacles in the sky to have a sweet sniping vantage point, or set your level in the basement, perfect for grifball. You can be as creative as you want and have as much fun as possible with it.
I don’t know if this map pack is for everyone. $10 just seems like a lot of money to spend on a few multiplayer maps. I wouldn’t say this map pack is for the casual Halo player, if you only play every once in a while when some friends come over, you can live without this map pack. However, definitely for the hardcore players out there, these maps could bring some new strategy into your gameplay and mix things up to keep you wanting to succeed, or if you love forge and love creating levels then this map pack is for you. Sandbox is your sandbox, enjoy it and take advantage of it. Someone that likes building levels could easily pump hours and hours into building the next great level. This map pack is not for everyone, don’t spend $10 unless you know you want it. There is a lot to be done on these new levels and a lot of achievements to be earned so check out this video of the map layout to see what it is all about.
